In today’s press conference preceding the introduction of Dianne Feinstein’s assault-weapons ban on the Senate floor, Illinois senator Dick Durbin offered his support for the bill. In the course of his remarks, he argued, “This just isn’t a matter of an issue of the Constitution, it’s an issue of conscience, an issue of conscience.”

Props to Durbin for his honesty, since I believe he means what he says. The gun control debate would be more honest if gun-control advocates dropped the pretense of respect and concern for the 2nd Amendment. Unfortunately for Durbin, however, his conscience doesn’t dictate the basis of legislation in this country.